110-degree heat index possible for Alabama’s season opener in Tuscaloosa

The calendar has turned to September and that means cooler weather and football is on its way. Or at least one of those things is on its way.

Week 1 of the college football season kicks off this week including a full slate of games for our in-state schools.

The Crimson Tide is hosting East Carolina with kickoff scheduled for 11AM at Bryant-Denny Stadium. And the sun is expected to be in full force with summer heat still ruling the day.

Weather forecast for East Carolina at Alabama

According to the Alabama Weather Network, the temperature at kickoff Saturday will be close to 93 degrees, peaking at 98 by the time the game is over.

James Spann said the heat index could reach as high as 110.

“We are projecting temperatures in the 96-99 degree range in Tuscaloosa Saturday by the fourth quarter of the Bama/ECU game at Bryant-Denny Stadium (kickoff at 11a CT). The heat index could be as high as 110. This will likely be one of the hottest Alabama home football games on record; the chance of a cooling shower during the game is small.”

James Spann, Alabama Weather Network

Stray showers could be possible but likely not enough to cool off the afternoon in Tuscaloosa. Friday’s forecasted rain could add to the humidity while fans are tailgating early Saturday morning.

The UV Index is projected to be at a 9 which is considered “very high” by the National Weather Service.

The record high for Sep. 5 in Tuscaloosa is 103, set in 1954. While temperatures are not expected to get close to that record, the heat will likely be well above the daily average of 89.

Hottest games in Alabama football history

According to the University of Alabama Athletics archives page, the hottest game on record was when the Crimson Tide hosted Kent State on Sep. 3, 2011.

The temperature at kickoff was 96 degrees with a peak temperature of 99 in Tuscaloosa that day.

The other 90+ degree kickoffs in Tuscaloosa over the last 15 years included:

• Sep. 7, 2019 vs. New Mexico State: 94 degrees
• Sep. 10, 2016 vs. Western Kentucky: 93 degrees

This Saturday’s game could compete for that record heat from the 2011 game against Kent State. So stay hydrated! Or if you just want to stay in the cool air, you can catch the game on ABC.

Heading to Bryant-Denny Stadium this weekend? Check out details on the new seating chart changes at the stadium.